On Monday, January 25, 2010, Nick Jr. premieres their new preschooler series, Team Umizoomi. An imaginative and fun series that incorporates live-action with computer animation, the series teaches children basic math concepts. These include counting, time, and shapes.
Each day, Team Umizoomi sets out to solve a problem called in by one of the residents of Umi City. Using their math skills, the team works together to solve the problem and make the world a better and more math-centric place.
Who makes up the team of Team Umizoomi? It’s made up of three math-friendly characters: Geo (in blue), who loves shapes; Geo’s sister, Milli (in pink), who loves patterns, and Bot (the robot guy), who helps Geo and Milli on their quests for math excellence with the help of the screen on his belly.
Geo, Milli, and Bot are very likable and friendly characters that encourage children to think for themselves and help in answering the puzzles and questions presented. They are upbeat, positive, and believe in teamwork, problem-solving, and tenacity.
Definitely aimed at a preschool audience, Team Umizoomi is effective in its methods of teaching and laying down a foundation for future math skills. Even with the focus on math, the show doesn’t get bogged down in mathematical jargon. There’s plenty of fun stuff that takes place in Umi City and with the gang of Team Umizoomi.
Plus, it’s colorful, there’s plenty of music, and it’s visually interesting. As mentioned above, the show combines live-action with computer animation. What makes this show a clever twist on that concept is that the real people and placed in the CG world of Umi City. This allows for more creative freedom than if Umi City were some backlot at a movie studio.
I know that my niece will love this!
After it airs on January 25th, Nickelodeon will air two weeks of brand-new episodes (Tuesday, Jan. 26 – Thursday, Jan. 28; and Monday Feb. 1 – Thursday Feb. 4 at 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT)). You can also catch back-to-back episodes on Nick Jr., Nickelodeon’s 24-hour commercial-free, educational preschool network, on Sunday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 7, at 7pm (ET), 4pm (PT).
But wait, there’s more! Since it is a show that explores the basics of math and strives to make sure your child learns about numbers, shapes, and other concepts, the Nick Jr. website will offer an overview of the show’s math curriculum and suggested activities parents can use at home to help preschoolers master math concepts.
It’ll also have plenty of games, videos, printables, crafts and more. Later this month, additional free, enhanced content will also be available including personalized, customizable printables and a monthly newsletter.
If you have preschool-aged children, I recommend the fun and educational new series, Team Umizoomi. Check it out Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:30am (ET/PT) only on Nick Jr.!